“Thank you. I suppose I’ll have to be more careful about who I associate with.” She shrugs. “Lesson learned. And better now than later, I guess.” She gestures at the tablet. “Anyway, that’s why I’m going over the presentation for tomorrow’s meeting. I’m going to make my case and ask for another year of their confidence. That’s why the new collaboration timeline is so tight. Ihaveto have a win for next fiscal year.” She looks apologetic. “I hope you’re okay with some all-nighters.”
I sit next to her, wrap my arm around her shoulders and pull her close to me. I place a kiss on her temple. “Valkyrie, it’ll be my honor.”
She laughs. “Seriously?”
“For real.”
I look down at her, see the glowing light in her blue eyes. They were arctic when I first saw her. I chalked it up to her being cold, but she kept them frozen and still so they’d betray nothing. Now I see so many things glittering underneath—anxiety, relief, grief, regret, apology and gratitude. It’s the last one that twists my gut, because I’m not worthy of it.
Chapter 37
Lucienne
I roll my shoulders as I make my way to the company auditorium. Shareholder meetings are always nerve-racking. Although I’m the CEO, the shareholders are the owners. They’ve always been a difficult bunch to deal with. Even Grandfather struggled from time to time.
I’m in my absolute best outfit—a conservative black Dior and nude stilettos. Sapphires and diamonds on my ears, neck and wrist. My hair’s up in a French twist, and I maintain my most confident posture—shoulders back, spine straight, feet even and chin up.
Grandfather always said a Peery does not bow his—or her—head.
I’ve gone over my remarks twenty times with Karen’s assistance. Sebastian listened to it after he came home and helped me tweak it some more. I’ve never been more ready.
Still, when I’m in front of everyone, my legs grow nerveless. My suitability as CEO is the last item on the agenda, immediately after welcoming Sebastian as a new member of the board, so my nerves are stretched taut.
I lock my knees and paste a neutral friendliness on my face. Thankfully, I say all the right words confidently, without a single stumble. From the approving smile on Sebastian’s face, I know I’m doing well.
A short Q&A later, I’m back in my seat. I look down at my phone.
–Sebastian: Amazing job!
–Karen: You did well.
I smile with relief. If they’re saying this, I didn’t just do the best that I could. I objectively did well, on par with other executives.
I maintain my calm. It’s going to be fine. The talk about my suitability started to become more serious in the last few weeks because I kicked Roderick out of the company, and he’s stirred it up to fever pitch because he has to make a case in order to continue leeching off Peery Diamonds. He’s probably dying to come back as a “consultant.” He needs money more than ever before, and I wouldn’t be shocked to find some backdoor dealings between him and Darren. Or even somebody on our BOD.
But as the board and everyone present have their discussions and the votes are tallied, the numbers are very, very tight. How can Roderick have so many behind him?
Karen whispers something to Darren, and he looks at me with a smirk. My stomach tight, I ignore him and look at Sebastian. He’s tapping away on his phone with a frown. Maybe he hasn’t seen the tally yet. Some emergency could’ve happened at Sebastian Jewelry.
Or maybe he knows the final tally will come out in my favor. I don’t need a convincing victory. Just enough to hang in there so I can prove myself.
My fingers grow cold, my palms clammy. I clench my hands together, then realize what I’m doing and force myself to hold them loosely on my lap.
But my composure is crumbling inside as the seconds tick by. My gut says something’s not right. It’s the weird charge in the atmosphere, like the eerie silence before a terrible storm hits.
The announcement is made:
I’m out.
By less than one percent of the vote.
The number doesn’t change after a recount.
I sit, dazed and trying to process. Just because I’m a Peery doesn’t mean I’m guaranteed a leadership position, but…this…
This will be the first time somebody other than a Peery will be the CEO. Shivers run through me, and I realize I’m cold. I doubt I’ll continue to sit on the board. They appoint Karen as the interim CEO.
That’s good, at least,I think numbly. She’s a great executive. Peery Diamonds is in good hands. I should be relieved, I tell myself through the emotional fog.
